
St Anne's Church Buxton
Buxton's oldest building (1625), a hidden gem with a unique blend of history, art, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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St Anne's Church Buxton
Best Time
Quiet reflection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Buxton's oldest building (1625), a hidden gem with a unique blend of history, art, and a peaceful atmosphere.
"It's incredible to think in a place like Buxton that if you go by the carved entrance to the church dating it at 1625, that this makes it the oldest building in the town."

🤫 Seek the Hidden Entrance
Find this gem tucked away behind the Swan Pub for a truly local discovery. :key:
🕰️ Embrace the History
The church dates to 1625, making it Buxton's oldest building. Feel the centuries of stories. :scroll:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Painted Ceiling
Above the Altar
A stunning ceiling, possibly painted by William Morris students, adds a touch of artistic grandeur.
Saxon Font
Inside the Church
Discover a font rumored to have Saxon origins, a tangible link to ancient times.
The Oldest Building in Buxton
Exterior
Marvel at the church's entrance, carved with a date of 1625, marking it as Buxton's oldest structure.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Discover Buxton's Oldest Gem
Hidden History & Local Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤫 Seek the Hidden Entrance
Find this gem tucked away behind the Swan Pub for a truly local discovery. :key:
🕰️ Embrace the History
The church dates to 1625, making it Buxton's oldest building. Feel the centuries of stories. :scroll:
🎨 Admire the Artistry
Look up at the ceiling above the altar; it's a beautiful piece of art. :paintbrush:
💧 Consider the Water Source
Buxton's famous water source is nearby; some say tasting it at the source is a unique experience. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
🤫 Seek the Hidden Entrance
Find this gem tucked away behind the Swan Pub for a truly local discovery. :key:
🕰️ Embrace the History
The church dates to 1625, making it Buxton's oldest building. Feel the centuries of stories. :scroll:
🎨 Admire the Artistry
Look up at the ceiling above the altar; it's a beautiful piece of art. :paintbrush:
💧 Consider the Water Source
Buxton's famous water source is nearby; some say tasting it at the source is a unique experience. :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise St. Anne's Church as a hidden gem and Buxton's oldest building, appreciating its calm atmosphere and unique historical features like the painted ceiling and Saxon font. While some note its plain exterior, the interior's charm and spiritual feel are widely celebrated. There's a sentiment that the church deserves more recognition and restoration funding.
"Woww wowww woww what an amazing church it dates back to 1625 it is the oldest church in Buxton and there is a grave stone out back dating back to 1799 who was an Irish comedian who died of poisoning. In the church the atmosphere is overwhelming you feel so calm and close to god. You keep saying to yourself it’s 400 years old. What a place to get married"
Lee Lee's Camper-van Adventures
"Tucked in a corner behind the Swan Pub, what an absolute gem of a little church.
St Anne's is the oldest church in Burton, originally converted from a barn.
It's simple inside but extremely eclectic and seems to share elements of Catholicism and Anglicanism, although it is an Anglican church.
Above the altar is a painted ceiling, proported to have been painted by students of William Morris under his supervision and the font is reputed to be Saxon.
It's worth spending a little time and soaking up the details in this little known gem"
Phil & Fran Gregson
"Nice little old Anglo - Catholic church, which is almost hidden away from view around the side of a pub.
It's incredible to think in a place like Buxton that if you go by the carved entrance to the church dating it at 1625, that this makes it the oldest building in the town.
From the outside the building looks tired, on the plain side and simple standing on a small plot, but on the inside it takes on a new light with it's beamed roof, small decorative stained glass windows and it's religious adornment makes it quaint.
*It would be lovely to see if one day, the famous spa town of Buxton, spare some of it's revenue from tourists on this building and recognise this little piece of history that they have here and return it to it's former glory - maybe?"
marc greaves
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Anne's Church is discreetly located behind the Swan Pub on Bath Road in Buxton. Look for the entrance tucked away to find this historic gem.
Buxton is well-served by buses, and St. Anne's Church is within walking distance of the town center and main bus stops. Check local bus routes for the most convenient options.
While direct parking at the church is limited, there are several public car parks in Buxton town center, a short walk away. Consider parking at the Buxton Opera House or Pavilion Gardens car parks.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to St. Anne's Church is typically free. It's a place of worship, and visitors are welcome to enter and explore respectfully.
Opening hours can vary, but the church is generally open during daylight hours for visitors. It's advisable to check with local church directories or inquire at nearby establishments if you have specific timing needs.
Yes, St. Anne's Church holds regular services. Visitors are welcome to attend, and some reviews mention feeling very welcome during communion services.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find a unique blend of Catholic and Anglican elements, a beautiful painted ceiling above the altar, and a font that is reputed to be Saxon. The atmosphere is often described as calm and overwhelming.
Yes, the interior with its stained glass windows and painted ceiling offers lovely photographic opportunities. Remember to be respectful of worshippers and any ongoing services.
St. Anne's Church is significant as it is the oldest building in Buxton, with its entrance dating back to 1625. It was originally converted from a barn and holds a unique place in the town's history.
Outside the church, you might find a gravestone dating back to 1799, belonging to an Irish comedian who reportedly died of poisoning.
🎫 💧 Water & Local Delights
While not directly part of the main Buxton spring water operations, St. Anne's is located in Buxton, a town renowned for its natural springs. Some visitors suggest tasting the water at its source for a unique experience.
Yes, being located behind the Swan Pub, there are dining options nearby. Buxton town center also offers a variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants to explore after your visit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
🧘♀️ Solo Travelers Seeking Peace
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Buxton's Oldest Structure
Inside, the atmosphere is often described as overwhelming, fostering a sense of calm and closeness to the divine. Visitors are drawn to the painted ceiling above the altar, believed to have been created by students of the renowned William Morris under his supervision. Another significant feature is the font, which is reputed to be of Saxon origin, adding another layer of ancient history to the site. The small decorative stained glass windows also contribute to the quaint and spiritual ambiance.
Many visitors express a desire for more recognition and restoration funding for this historical gem. The hope is that Buxton, as a famous spa town, might one day allocate some of its tourist revenue to help return St. Anne's to its former glory, preserving this vital piece of local heritage for future generations. The church also holds a poignant reminder of the past with a gravestone dating back to 1799, belonging to an Irish comedian who met an untimely end.
The Water of Buxton: From Source to Sip
For those interested in experiencing the water at its origin, some travelers recommend visiting the actual source. The idea is to compare the taste of the water directly from the spring with bottled Buxton water. This hands-on approach allows for a personal appreciation of the water's natural quality.
While St. Anne's Church itself offers a spiritual and historical experience, its proximity to Buxton's famous water sources adds another dimension to a visit. It’s a reminder of the natural resources that have shaped the town and continue to attract visitors seeking wellness and unique local experiences.
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